Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington got back yesterday to what they were doing last weekend in Akron, Ohio, before they were so rudely interrupted – leaving the best of the rest in their wake – on the opening day of the 2009 US PGA Championship

The world No1 and the defending champion, paired together for the opening two rounds here, look destined to be paired together for the last two as well after establishing their names at the top of the leaderboard. Woods led the way after signing for a five-under-par round of 67. Harrington was one shot behind. "You certainly cannot win the golf tournament on the first day," Woods said.

The Irishman, defending the title he won last year in Detroit, was equally circumspect but no less delighted. "It's a little bit tough when you're coming back to defend the tournament. There's a little bit more spotlight and focus, so shooting 68 is a good start," he said.

What a spectacle another Sunday showdown between the two men would be, although there are plenty of players auditioning for the role of spoilsport. Lee Westwood was among a welter of contenders stacked up behind the leaders after shooting a quietly effective 70, two under par, and will offer a stout challenge. So might the Spaniard Alvaro Quirós, who ended the day on three under, two shots behind the leader but miles in front in the unofficial competition to determine the longest hitter of the week.

Playing in the group after Woods and Harrington, Quirós reached the green on the uphill, 606-yard 12th, with his ball rolling on to the putting surface as the leaders were contemplating their shots. "That had to be two of the biggest hits ever in golf," suggested the awe-struck Irishman.

Yet if Harrington and Woods had cause to be envious, they had no reason feel inadequate where it really mattered.

After last Sunday's battle at the Bridgestone Invitational all eyes were on them and they did not disappoint. Woods, in particular, produced some breathtaking shots on his way to a bogey-free round. Even he was impressed with himself, and he is not easily impressed. "I hit a bunch of really good shots and could have gone really low but I missed a few putts," he said.

Harrington, too, was content, although he was quick to suggest that yesterday's contest was a bit more casual than their last meeting. "There was a lot more chatting. It was a nice casual round of golf but you can do that on Thursday. Sunday is business day," he said.